Unconscious Mind and Self-Development

Annotated Bibliography
Hebbrecht, M. (2013). The dream as a picture of the psychoanalytic process. Romanian Journal of Psychoanalysis, 6(2), 123–142. Retrieved from http://www.revista.srdp.ro/
How can we better understand the various unknowns regarding the mind’s conscious as well as unconscious embedded aspects? This, according to Hebbrecht (2013) could be accomplished via an exploration of the underlying structure of dreams so as to better perceive or infer their relationship with psychological and personal connections that are implanted deep in the dream world? Dreams, as had been expressed by Freud, cannot merely be regarded as the unconscious thought’s expressive or direct form. The author, in this article, invokes Freud’s explication or elucidation of dreams in an attempt to initiate debate on the entire proposition as a product of an analytic process. Hebbrecht, in this enlightening article, seeks to elucidate the outcome of the psychoanalytic process, with the dream taking on a prominent role in the examination/evaluation. According to the author, the psychoanalytic goal involves discharging the fear clients’ have of their dreams when the session commences and getting the said clients to live normal lives. According to the author, the psychoanalytic process and the analysis (particularly the last case) indicate how the first analytic dream’s elaborations portray changes in the process. In essence, therefore, the successful interpretation of a dream could be deflected by a dream’s secondary version. This is the very same view held by Freud. In retrospect, therefore, the first interview could unveil the real truth.
Johansson, M. (2007). Historiography and Psychoanalysis. International Forum of Psychoanalysis, 16(2), 103-112
What are the most prominent issues researchers face in their endeavor to probe the history of psychoanalysis in various settings? Johansson sets about to evaluate the various fundamental queries that have emerged in the drafting of the psychoanalysis history. It is important to note that, in essence, the psychoanalytic society’s ideals do not necessarily match with those currently espoused by the academic community. There is, therefore, need to outline how the two views deviate with specific reference to the several decades worth of change the psychoanalytic society has undergone. Johansson examines the rift and amongst other things seeks to shed light to the attitude or pose adopted by psychoanalysts on a number of issues of key relevance to the practice. Some of the issues the author defines on this font include, but they are not limited to, psychotherapist education (particularly undergraduate instruction), existing accreditation procedures, and, in general, academic psychology. On accreditation, it is important to note that substantiating claims of authenticity on the part of psychoanalysis has been a challenge in the past. This is more so the case given the absence of governmental bodies charged with not only the authentication of credentials, but also the examination/inspection of the conduct of practicing psychoanalysts. The author’s findings demonstrate instances of those not having the prerequisite psychoanalysis professional disposition posing as psychoanalysts, with key culprits being psychiatrists and medical doctors. The author’s contribution, alongside the contribution of others who have immersed themselves in similar endeavors, is of great relevance. The historic background is particularly of key relevance. In the final analysis, the author of this article succeeds in presenting a strong case for the reconstruction of the various psychoanalytical practice features.
Perera, S. B. (2013). Circling, dreaming, aging. Psychological Perspectives, 56(2), 137–148. http://doi.org/10.1080/00332925.2013.786642
The occurrence and connotation of dreams particularly in later life has not been well explored. This is more so the case given that as age advances, an individual experiences physical decline which necessitate critical focus on the unconscious to address issues relating to vulnerability, amongst others. This largely informs Perera’s inquiry. The author reminiscences her Tibetan teacher’s quote that indicated that an evaluation of daily life encounters and dreams could be conducted in the very same way. This is essentially what the author seeks to demonstrate via her clients, with an attempt to assist her clients find common ground in regard to their dreams and their daily life encounters. For instance, while some of author’s clients had dreams that largely reflected the various childhood needs that they did not have fulfilled, others had dreams that mirrored the various changes that were taking place actively in their present lives, particularly as they got older. In the latter case, clients could, for instance dream about their loss of independence due to the advancement in age. The author conducts an examination of the relevance of the content of a dream in relation to ego, specifically those at an advanced age stage, where the info brought to the fore mirrors a person’s individual rapprochement with reality and mortality. Perera’s piece is of great relevance especially when it comes to the stimulation of further discourse on dreams and the unconscious mind, and how the two relate and integrate. It, therefore, invites Psychoanalysts to the further exploration of the unconscious mind via an interrogation of how the client interprets the content of dreams.
Outline
1. Introduction
Many authors have pointed out the need to analyze psychoanalysis’ history, right from the point it was incepted to the modern day. In essence, the profession’s future is largely uncertain due to failures in external appreciation as well as control, and internal discord. There is need for psychoanalysis theory to be better understood and its contribution to the treatment of psychopathology evaluated.
1.1 Psychoanalysis Theory Overview
Freud was of the opinion that gaining insight into the conscious and unconscious motives of individuals could help cure emotions as well as experiences that were largely repressed.
1.2 Psychology Viewpoints
Neo-analytic theory
Psychosexual development
2. Thesis
Freud’s work continues to be as relevant as ever – particularly informing meaningful discourse in psychoanalysis. In essence, Fried made use of two approaches, i.e. natural science and hermeneutics, in the analysis of dreams, effectively meaning that his methods of interpretation had a quality of duality. This means that psychoanalysts in future are free to make use of subjective approaches of interpretation as they examine the unconscious mind.
3. Contextual Analysis
3.1 Psychoanalytical Theory History and Development
There is need to examine how contemporary psychoanalytic techniques came to be – with Freud’s contribution being appreciated. The two Freudian approaches/perspectives highlighted identified above will be discussed at length.
3.2 Freudian and modern day elucidation of dreams
4. Modern Techniques of Psychoanalysis
4.1 Application of modern psychoanalytic clinical techniques
The contemporary application of psychoanalysis will be discussed and extensively analyzed.
4.2 Implications
Limitations will be discussed and connections drawn between Freud’s views and other divergent psychoanalytical approaches
5. Conclusion
The content of the paper will be reviewed and a balanced opinion of facts presented therein presented.
References